Sorry for not updating sooner if you've been on tenter hooks. Got on my connection Detroit to San Diego no probs. Slept most of the way courtesy of Tequilera's finest, big, strong and toothsome margarita.
Met Robyn at airport and back to Chez Robins.
More as it happens.
Hammering down here at Detroit McNamara Airport. Can't really tell from pic (and the dots are some abberation on the glass).
That's right. The third of the World's great automotive powerhouses after Coventry and Dagenham.
Nice flight. I made an error in saying I was in Business class. I was in 'Business Elite'. Oooh la la. As good as it gets. All flat beds, Michelin * chef menu & noise cancelling earphones (that make it hard to hear any announcements). Still, no pilot radio comms channel that I like so much. I think that's a United thing.
So here I am. Made it to the United States of Uncle Sam's Side Of The Pond.
OK. So the pic looks like the inside on airport pretty much anywhere in the world...but it does have a tram INSIDE the terminal building.
Next? Onwards and upwards I hope towards San Diego.
Detroit Macnamara Airport
So, I'm off the plane sharpish being in seat 5B...that's Business Elite for ya...yeah. As I'm wrapping up the Immigration grilling:
Immigration officer: What's the purpose of your visit?
Me: To see friends.
IO: How do you know them?
Me: Brian is a friend of my brother from the USAF...not that my brother was in the USAF, he was in the RAF. But I'm a good friend of Brian too.
IO: Huh? Been to the States before?
Me: Yes.
IO: When?
Me: When Brian married Robyn and I visited my brother not too long ago.
IO: I was looking for a year...but please, just move on now.
Me: Sorry thanks sorry.
Anyway. There behind me is Tim Minchin. I loitered slightly, and then collared him with...
"It's Tim Minchin, right? I saw you in Wales. Greenman Festival. My wife's good friend Jen is slightly obsessed with you."
I was clearly still in immigration mode.
He muttered something about having a terrible cold and side shuffled towards the loos.
Hint taken. Not a photo opp...so no photo (that I took).
But I did shake his hand. I'll probably get a cold now.
Hurrah. I'm on the Detroit flight...option A. And I'm in Business Class. Whoooo hoooo. Nice one Rob.
And you'll never guess who else is on my flight. Tim Minchin. The Aussie comedian pianist who we saw at Greenman Festival this year (and who was simply mind-blowingly funny). I think he's in coach class though. Shame.
Feels like I'm in some old tin shack harking back to the golden age of flying. Hopefully the pilot's not too MadMen in the Sky and hasn't breakfasted on dry martinis & a gin fuzz!
Bit misty over the runway. And something to help clear my own personal fog. (Other coffee outlets are available.)
Well technically I'm not really checked-in....just politely requesting a seat....pleeease.
Ok, first and potentially tricky step out of the way. Made Paddington in a cab from Camden.
Blurry pic represents how I'm feeling right now.
